Started Hunting Retriever Puppies 1

Grouse Hunting In Washington State

Our friends, Scott & Fran are really into hunting grouse. Their dogs are pretty "into it" too. Sarge (formerly known as Mojo when he lived with Kate,) is only 9 months old. The right puppy with the right upbringing and training makes all the difference. Fran sent the following comments in an email:

The pics of Scott and the "A-team grouse hunters" are an example of what it looks like when hunting ruffed grouse early season in the northwest woods. The cover is heavy and when the birds get pushed, they flush fast and are gone. If the dogs don't stay close and hunt the edges of the cover, a person will never get a shot off. The best dog work (in our opinion) for this type of hunting is what shows in these pics. Disco and Sarge are quartering in front of us. They are hunting close and both are very thorough. We are not having to whistle them in constantly to stay close. They are doing it because they are good dogs. And, consequently, we are pretty quiet hunters. I think that's why we're finding so many birds this year. Not that we're getting too many shots. But, that will come. We're into birds every time we go. Disco and Sarge are non-stop hunting machines! Our hunts have been about 2 - 2 1/2 hrs. We take a few short breaks, but mostly, we're hunting. Every time we've been up there, the dogs have found grouse. Very exciting. But, the birds have flushed where Scott or I couldn't get a shot. Only Sarge's first hunt, so far, produced any meat for the pot. :)) But, we're going again next Tuesday. Sarge is an "old pro" now. When he's hunting, his new name is, "Sargent Brown of the Hunting Platoon." But, when we take a break, he turns back into "Sargento Love."

Nine Month Old Labrador Retriever's First Grouse Hunt

Hi Kate,

Thought you might like to hear about “your” puppy, Sarge (previously known as “Mojo”).

At not even 9 months old, this was Sarge’s first hunt. According to Scott, it took Sarge about 20 minutes before he really got the hang of quartering and staying in the cover along the sides of the logging trail. Then, he got a little more intense, did a couple zig-zags, jumped under a low evergreen branch and flushed a grouse! Scott said Sarge chased it for a couple seconds and when the bird got out ahead, he shot and knocked it down. Sarge had never been “shot over” before. He slowed and then stopped. He looked back and forth between Scott and where the bird had gone. (He must have thought he was supposed to stop – what a good boy.) Scott sent Sarge for the retrieve and off he went. The bird had fallen in the cover and Sarge found it quickly. He came to heel, sat, and delivered to hand. Scott said it was textbook perfect!

Although they didn’t bag another grouse after that first one, Sarge hunted like he knew what he was doing. He found and flushed two more singles.

Scott was so impressed with Sarge’s natural hunting instinct and how well he behaved, on their way home, he stopped at McDonalds and bought him a cheeseburger (minus the bun).

Scott and I are taking Disco and Sarge tomorrow morning. Wish us luck.

Fran
For a look at Sarge as a three month old puppy (Then known as Mojo) check out this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THXkIlIuhzg